Did the Bingo Card Predictions Come True?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Bingo Board Predictions
3. Teams that Could Win Races
4. Honda's Performance and Reliability
5. McLaren's Livery and Fan Reactions
6. Red Bull's Livery and Controversy
7. Liberty's Changes and Improvements
8. Christian Horner's Thoughts on Honda
9. Vettel vs. Kimi in Terms of Points
10. Red Bull's Position in the Championship
11. Williams and the Customer Mercedes Teams
12. Unusual Events Causing Red Flags
13. Fantasy GP League Update
14. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

The 2018 Formula 1 season has been filled with excitement and surprises. With 19 races still to go, it's time to revisit the Bingo Board predictions made before the season started. This article will take a closer look at each prediction and evaluate whether they have come true or not.

Bingo Board Predictions

Before diving into the specific predictions, let's take a moment to appreciate the nature of making predictions in the world of Formula 1. It's a game where even the most knowledgeable experts can end up looking silly in a matter of months. However, that doesn't stop us from making these predictions and having fun with it.

Teams that Could Win Races

One of the predictions on the Bingo Board was that only four teams would win races in the 2018 season. So far, Ferrari seems to be living up to the expectation with a 100% hit rate. However, it's still early days, and Mercedes and Red Bull are strong contenders as well. Despite a slow start, teams like Haas and Renault could benefit from unexpected race incidents. McLaren and Toro Rosso have already capitalized on slip-ups, showcasing the unpredictable nature of Formula 1.

Honda's Performance and Reliability

The prediction regarding Honda's performance and reliability has proven to be a difficult one. During winter testing, the Honda engine seemed promising, running smoothly without any major issues. However, as the season progressed, some technical problems started to surface. It's challenging to determine if Honda will maintain a competitive pace throughout the season or if their reliability will become a hindrance. Only time will reveal the true potential of the Honda power unit.

McLaren's Livery and Fan Reactions

The debate surrounding McLaren's livery has divided opinions among fans. Initially, there was mixed reaction, but a majority of Twitter followers declared it a good livery. In fact, the official F1 site even awarded McLaren's livery as the best of the year. While some may find it indifferent, there is an interesting aspect to McLaren's approach. Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, seems willing to listen to fans' opinions and act accordingly. Perhaps next year, we might see some interesting changes based on fan suggestions.

Red Bull's Livery and Controversy

One prediction that wasn't accounted for on the Bingo Board was Red Bull's fancy unique livery. Although it only appeared in photographs and not on the actual car, it caused quite a stir. The author of this article admits to taking this square for personal reasons and humorously suggests being sued for doing so. It's a lighthearted addition to the Bingo Board predictions.

Liberty's Changes and Improvements

Liberty Media, the new owners of Formula 1, have been making various changes to the sport. The prediction about Liberty overcompensating on grid girls is yet to be determined, as they have refrained from implementing any major changes so far. However, with Russia and Monaco bringing their grid girls, it's uncertain how Liberty will respond based on public opinion. Fans of grid girls may still see some surprises in the future.

Christian Horner's Thoughts on Honda

With Toro Rosso's impressive performance, there is speculation that Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner, is closely observing Honda's progress. The idea of Red Bull becoming the Honda works team for next year could be a possibility. This move would allow Honda to improve their performance even further, and it would shift the blame from Horner's frequent criticism of Renault. Only time will tell if this prediction holds true.

Vettel vs. Kimi in Terms of Points

One prediction that may take a while to determine is the comparison between Sebastian Vettel and his teammate Kimi Raikkonen in terms of points scored. It's becoming evident that Ferrari is favoring Vettel as the main contender for the championship. Kimi, however, is having a brilliant season with improved performances. The author expresses hope for Kimi to maintain this momentum throughout the season, acknowledging his skills on the track.

Red Bull's Position in the Championship

The prediction that Red Bull would finish in second place seems unlikely at this stage. However, considering the long season ahead, it's too early to rule them out completely. The competition is fierce, and anything can happen in Formula 1. The team still has the potential to surprise everyone and secure a higher position by the end of the season.

Williams and the Customer Mercedes Teams

Williams' performance this season has been underwhelming, as they currently find themselves in a position where finishing seventh would be considered a success. This prediction seems to align with their current struggles. Additionally, the customer Mercedes teams, which were once able to excel during the early stages of the hybrid era, seem to have lost their edge. The suspicion arises that the Mercedes engine might not be as dominant as before, raising questions about its competitiveness.

Unusual Events Causing Red Flags

One prediction involves an unusual event causing a red flag during a race. Although a wiring issue did cause a red flag during the Australian Grand Prix, the author doesn't consider it significant enough to be checked off. It remains a possibility for the future races if any remarkable incidents occur, resulting in a stoppage of the race.

Fantasy GP League Update

As a side note, the author provides an update on their Fantasy GP league. Participants are encouraged to join the Chain Bear F1 league, where every pro member's score counts towards the League of Leagues. Currently ranked 56th, there is room for improvement, and new members are welcome to contribute.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2018 Formula 1 season has already provided fans with plenty of excitement, surprises, and unpredictability. While some predictions on the Bingo Board have already proven to be accurate, many are still up in the air. Formula 1 is a sport that keeps us on our toes, and with 19 more races to go, there is no telling what twists and turns await us. So, let's buckle up and enjoy the rest of the season, ever-aware of the thrill and uncertainty that Formula 1 brings.